January 1958 was characterized by major southward migration of upper-level westerlies into the subtropics (an index cycle) in the Western Hemisphere. Near mid- month an almost record-breaking blocking anticyclone consolidated in Davis Strait, causing a succession of “northeasters” to stagnate off New England. These conditions
persistently deployed cold polar air into the southeastern United States.
Florida was probably the hardest hit section, with at least seven active cold fronts replenishing the cold air and bringing exceptionally heavy rains, and even some snow, to northern and central sections. This added up to one of the most disastrous January’s for a large portion of Florida’s economy. The citrus output was reduced by millions of boxes; damage to citrus trees required 3 years to repair; dead pasture grasses, in addition to the cold and wet weather, killed hundreds of head of cattle; and tourist trade income was sharply reduced.
The Search Continues for Revonoc, and All Hands
January 7, 1958 – And all out search continued for the yacht Renovoc II, five crew including, New York publisher, and Distinguished Service Cross recipient Harvey-Conover, his wife, son, daughter-in-law and William Fluegelman of Scarsdale, ensued with the Coast Guard and assistance from Conover’s friends including, Henry du Pont, Phil Tomlinson, Sandy Hiss, Bill West, all convincing the Cuban Navy to assist in the search.
Planes and ships scoured almost every square mile of sea from Cape Canaveral to Cuba. All in, the search party included 14 planes, five helicopters, one blimp, three civilian planes, two Cuban planes, one large Coast Guard Cutter and eight Cuban ships.
The only evidence of the vessel was found on January fifth at 7:38pm, the Jupiter Inlet Lifeboat Station advised that they had found the ships tender Renovoc, Jr.
Sparkman & Stephens – Design 1252 – Revonoc II
For further reading view the following article from Sports Illustrated “The Vault”…Nature keeps a grim date at sea
Probate Court MATTER OF CONOVER
* Notewôrthy
1610 – Galileo Galilei makes his first observation of the four Galilean moons: Ganymede, Callisto, Io and Europa, although he is not able to distinguish the last two until the following day.
1894 – William Kennedy Dickson receives a patent for motion picture film.
1904 – The distress signal “CQD” is established only to be replaced two years later by “SOS”.
1927 – The first transatlantic telephone service is established from New York, New York to London.
1931 – Guy Menzies flies the first solo non-stop trans-Tasman flight (from Australia to New Zealand) in 11 hours and 45 minutes, crash-landing on New Zealand’s west coast.
1959 – The United States recognizes the new Cuban government of Fidel Castro.